Interlocking lever



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. H. I; 00X.

INTERLOGKING LEVER. No. 255,774. Patented Apr. 4,1882.

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(No ModeL) -2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

H. F. COX.

INTERLOGKING LEVER.

Patehted Apr. 4,1882.

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I'IIHHIIIIIHIJIIIIHIH INVENTORI HENRY F. COX

ATTYEH- UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY F. X, on ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA.

INTERLOCKING LEVER.

To all whom it may concern:

hereinafter, by means of which simplicity is obtained without impairing the efficiency of' the mechanism in operation.

In thedrawings, Figure 1 represents a side elevation of my improved lever-stand; Fig. 2, a front elevation of the same; Fig. 3, a plan view of the cap-piece B; Fig. 4, a plan view of the locking-plate C; Fig. 5, a plan view of the locking-plate in position upon the cap-piece; Figs. 8,9, and 10, similar views, with the levers represented in different positions; and Figs. 6 and 7 represent diagrams illustrating one way of applying my invention in practice.

To enable others skilled in the art to make my invention, I will proceed to describe fully the construction and operation of the same.

A, Figs. 1 and 2, represents the body portion of a lever-stand, which may be constructed generally in any proper manner.

13, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, represents a cap-piece supported by the body portion, consisting of a rectangular caslin g provided with transverse ribs b, Fig.3, projecting in a vertical plane, and the longitudinal slots 1) b located on each side of the longitudinal center line, as shown.

0, Figs. 1, 2, and 4, represents what may he termed, for convenience, the locking-plate, consisting of a rectangular casting, having upon one side of its longitudinal center line a straight-sided slot, 0, with a square recess, c, at one end, and upon the other side an inclinedsided slot, 0 as shown. I

0 0 represent elongated openings at the end of the plate, by means of which and proper bolts the locking-plate is fastened to the cappiece in such manner as to be capable of moving freely in a lateral direction within certain limits.

D, Figs. 1, 2, and 8, represents a lever of any proper construction pivoted at the proper point to the body portion, the upper part of SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 255,774, dated April 4, 1882.

Application filed July 8,1881. (No model.)

F, Fig. 1, represents a curved bar or bars,

having at each enda notch or recess adapted to hold the bolt end of the locking'latchfof the lever in the manner well understood.

W hen the parts are properly united together 'and are in their normal position, the lever D is at what may be termed, for convenience, the front endof the inclined slot 0 in the lockingplate, and the lever E in the recess 0 at the front end of the straight slot, as shown in Fig. 8. The lever E, it will be observed, is then held from movement in a lateral direction by the longitudinal slot in the cap piece and from movement in a backward direction by the rear sides of the recess 0, as shown. When, however, the upper end of the lever Dis moved backward from its normal positionit gives the locking-plate, by contact with the inclined side of the same, movement in a lateral direction, and by means of this movement the rear side of the recess 0 is shifted out of the line of the movement of the lever E, as shown in Fig. 9. In consequence of this change of position the lever is released, so that it may be moved in a rearward direction, if desired, into the position shown in Fig. 10.

From the foregoing it will be understood that when the parts are in their normal position the lever E is absolutely lockedagainst movement by the position of the locking-plate O, and that this position can only be changed to release the lever by actuating the lever D.

It follows,therefore, that the order of movement of'these two levers is absolutely fixedthat is, the lever D must first be moved and then the lever E. This interlocking-lever mechanism is adapted for use in any case when it is essential that certain levers shall be moved in a fixed order. I

One of the ways in which my invention has been applied practically will now be described.

m, Fig. 6, represents the lever-stand before described.

00 represents a system of rods and cranks, by means of which the pressure of lever Dis conveyed away to a proper distance-point for the purpose ofactuating a switch, 00 as shown.

ac represents a line of connection, by means of which the lever is caused to actuate also a signal, 00 a 3 represents a system of rods and cranks, by means of which the lever E is caused to actuate the signal y.

The operation is substantially as follows: The signal 00 when in its normal position, Fig. 6, indicates safety, and permits consequently the free passage of trains over the track 2 in the direction of thc singlearrows in full lines. The switch-signal y, when in its normal position, indicates danger, and prevents consequently the passage of trains in the direction of the dotted arrow beyond the switch 00 When thus arranged a train moving in the direction of the dotted arrow will be arrested by the signal y. When, however, it' is desired to pass trains over the branch track z,in thedirection indicated by the double arrow,achangcmustbe made, andtoinsure perfect safety this must be performed in a fixed order. Before the switch-signal y can be chan ged from its danger position to that of safety, to permit the-movement of a train over the track 2, the signal w must be changed from its safe ty position to danger, in order to stop the movement of trains over the track 2, and the switch 00 must also be shifted.

By the proper movement of theleverD the signalmis changed from its normal position of safety to its danger position,and also theswitch x is changed. By the movement of lever D also the lever E is unlocked, so that it can be moved. By said movement of lever E, then, the signal y is changed from danger to safety, to permit the train to pass upon the track 2.

I claim- 1. In combination with the body A, the capplate B, having the transverse ribs 1) b and the straight slots 1) b the locking-plate 0, having the straight-sided slot 0, with recess 0 and slot 0 with inclined sides and the elongated openings 0 c and the levers D and E, as described.

2. In combination with the cap-plate B, the locking-plate C, with slots 0, c, and 0 and the levers DE, the lines of connection as a, actuating the switch, the line x actuating the signal 00 and the line of connection y, actuating the signal y, as described.

This specification signed and witnessed this 6th day of July, 1881.

HENRY F. cox

Witnesses:

W. D. OoUoH, Tnos. P. FOSTER. 

